Tita's Kitchenette
2720 E Plaza Blvd
National City, CA 91950
(619) 472-5801
Knowing that I was going to be in National City, I wanted to take the opportunity to try out some Filipino restaurants while in the area. I looked through yelp for some good reviews, and found Tita's Kitchenette to be a popular choice.
When I arrived on a hot Sunday afternoon, the place was super busy. I was amazed by the amount of different dishes offered. Many were ones I had not seen before. I was feeling adventurous but Boyfriend was not. So we ended up getting a combination plate with pancit, sisig and lumpia. We also got one stick of the chicken bbq because people on yelp had raved about Tita's bbq.
The prices are a bit higher than most Filipino turo turo joints I have been to. It is about $7 for a two item combo. The portions are bigger, but I don't think they warrant $2 more.
The lumpia at Tita's are huge. About twice the length of normal sized lumpia. One side in a combination comes with five lumpia.
Unfortunately, the lumpia we had were soggy rather than crispy. Very disappointing. I realize they may have been sitting out a while, but even then, I don't think I've ever had soggy lumpia before.
The sisig was just okay to me. It wasn't too sour, but a bit too liquidy.
The pancit is made with all clear noodles. I was surprised not to find any yellow noodles mixed in. It tasted good, but the noodles were a bit too finely chopped. I prefer longer noodles. These noodles were cut up to be extremely short. Also I would have preferred more meat and celery.
The bbq chicken was mostly eaten on the car ride home before this photo was snapped. I was pretty disappointed after reading such great reviews. I didn't find the chicken to be anything special.
Overall, the food was just alright tasting for me. I would like to sample some items next time that I have not seen offered at other turo turo places.
Thanks for the recs! I’m excited to go back now and try some of the items you and MrM suggested
As MrM stated below I’ll usually get the Beef Mechado and Kaldereta Kambping – which is goat. It is bony but pretty good, and Manila Fast Food makes a decent version so you’d be able to compare. I used to like the Pork Hamonado, but recently it has been very dry. They also used to make a really good Pancit Palabok, which you order at the counter, and they’ll prepare for you in back. My secretary will often get me the Tortang Talong and pork adobo when she isn’t sure what I want. I hope you have better luck next time!
Ooh..I love bakeries! And Boyfriend loves Pan De Sal. I saw the bakery last time but I didn’t know if it was any good. Thanks for letting me know!
Thanks for the suggestions. I’ll definitely keep these in mind on my next visit. I want to try Tita’s again now that I know what I should have ordered!
Oh…the next time you are in the area and are getting Tita’s, don’t forget to check out Valerio’s Family Bake Shop next door! They have the absolute BEST Pan De Sal and other Filipino breads and goodies! Its absolutely addicting…even for a Haole like me!
=P
I have never seen Sisig from Titas. It looks more like pork adobo! LOL.
Anyways, Kirk is, as always, correct. Tita’s doesn’t specialize in the ‘usual’ Filipino suspects. Their pansit bihon is off and on again, I’ve not tried their lumpia, but I’ve not heard good things about it, and that Sisig…LOL!
I’ve had their Beef Machado and their Chicken Apritada and those are very good. I also hear their Chicken & Pork Adobos are good. I know many like their Kaldereta Kambing (Filipino Goat Stew), but every time I go they either look at me funny or say ‘no got’. So…I think they also have beef Kaldereta too if Boyfriend wants to try it if he is in a less than adventurous mood.
I think the one thing that Tita’s is known for is its Pork BBQ and I will say that it is very very tasty! Much better then the chicken which tends to get tough and dry.
Hi Kirk- I can’t believe I managed to do that! It would explain why I didn’t particularly like the items much. Do you have any recommendations of what you think is good?
Hey Kirbie – You just bought three of what I consider the worst items at Tita’s! ;o) LOL!